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Class: 2023 (high school)
Position: Quarterback
School: Dripping Springs (TX) Dripping Springs
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 185 lbs

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Buckeyes continue to stay active on the trail as they offer new prospects in both the 2023 and 2024 classes
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State coaches continue to dish out new offers to talented players in the current and future cycles.

Thursday proved to be a typical day in the life of Ohio State recruiting. With multiple offers being sent out and more players announcing their intentions of getting to Columbus this summer, the beat goes on for the coaching staff as they prepare for a crucial month of June and a jam-packed summer of recruiting opportunities.

Buckeyes send out offer to 2023 tight end


It’s not a surprise that Ohio State is looking to take two players at the tight end position in the 2023 class. Needing to build the depth back up to a satisfactory level, Ryan Day’s offense uses the tight end more times than not, and whether that’s mainly in the run game more so than in the pass game, the point remains true. The Buckeyes are at their best when they have two legitimate options at that position, and with one already committed thanks to Ty Lockwood, there’s still some work to be done to land another.

On Thursday, the Buckeyes sent out their latest offer in the 2023 class with tight end prospect Olsen Patt Henry on the receiving end. A 6-foot-3, 215 pound player, Henry is currently the 16th best player at his position per 247Sports for the 2023 cycle and holds nearly 20 offers to his name. Programs such as Clemson, Florida State, Alabama, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and a host of others are already in the mix, and Ohio State of course is the latest to join that party.

A Florida native, Olsen would fit in well with the current Ohio State class, as half of the commits are from the Sunshine State as well. At this point, the Buckeyes could be considered a bit late to join his recruitment, but if position coach Kevin Wilson puts on the full-court press, seeing him on campus wouldn’t be a shock as an Ohio State offer typically does more than just interest a prospect. Important to note too, Tony Alford was the one to speak with Olsen and with his recruiting success in Florida. That’s certainly an advantage for the Buckeyes.

With other names still being recruited, Olsen is just the latest name worth paying attention to as the staff continues to try and land a second tight end in the current class.

2024 tackle adds Ohio State offer


Ohio State’s multiple offers that went out yesterday weren’t only in the 2023 class. 2024 was also on the agenda thanks to an offensive tackle adding the Buckeyes to his list. Most of the recent offers sent out by the staff are to the future 2024 cycle, and that will likely continue. As new names surface and evaluations take place on into the summer months as well for camp season, the Buckeyes will be looking for more elite talent they can lure to Columbus.

On the receiving end of that second offer, Massachusetts native Liam Andrews added Ohio State to his list of nearly 20offers. At 6-foot-4, 270 pound, Andrews currently plays tackle but projects as an interior lineman at the next level. Already having impressive size with two more full years to play, it’s enticing to think of what he can grow to before he heads off to the school of his choice. Now that Ohio State is in the fold, Justin Frye will be doing his best to lay the foundation for why Columbus is the best landing spot for his college career.

The No. 95 ranked player nationally, Andrews is also the fifth best player at his position and the top player in his home state for 2024 all per the 247Sports Composite grades. Tennessee, Oklahoma, Penn State, Michigan, and a host of other notable schools are already in the mix, but Ohio State and others for sure will likely come in the near future as more people start to really take notice of all Andrews has to offer.

Quick Hits

• As camp season nears, Ohio State will host many top national as well as local targets. Having the ability to see them perform in person is always a major benefit to the camp circuit and several players will reap the rewards of doing so. This coming June, one in-state prospect who is starting to really see his recruitment take off will be on campus multiple times and looking to make a name for himself early.

2025 quarterback Tavien St. Clair (Bellefontaine, Ohio/Bellefontaine) won’t have to travel far to get to Ohio State, but is camping on June 7 and will also be participating in a 7-on-7 events on June 16.

A 6-foot-3, 190 pound freshman, St. Clair already holds offers from Tennessee, Pitt, Iowa State, and Central Michigan, but it looks as if it’s only a matter of time before other major suitors also join the party. The Buckeyes are of course already in on fellow 2025 quarterback Ryan Montgomery, but early on it’s clear there’s going to be at least two major in-state talents worth taking a look at.


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Column: With Ohio State already here, Columbus doesn’t feel right for NFL expansion
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by: Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Not to mention, with five other NFL teams within three hours of Columbus, it’s tough to sell Columbus as a potential NFL expansion location.


Columbus is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. If you need any evidence of this, just look at all the construction that has taken place, not only on the Ohio State campus, but all around Columbus over the last decade. Even though I live just a few miles away from the campus area, it feels like every time I am down on campus there are new buildings going up.

Even though Columbus is growing rapidly, they shouldn’t be considered as an expansion city if the NFL decides to expand. I can understand why Columbus would be an attractive option, since when it comes to watching football it seems like Ohio’s capital city is always near the top of the television ratings. While it may seem easy to assume that because there are a lot of people that like to watch football there it would be impossible for NFL football in the city to fail, when there are a number of reasons why it could possibly be a bust.

Nearby teams


While Columbus doesn’t have an NFL team, it’s not too difficult to see a game in-person. There are five teams within 210 miles of Columbus. Take I-71 and you can go to Cleveland for a Browns game, or down to Cincinnati and watch the Bengals. Hop on I-70 and in about three hours you could be in Pittsburgh for a Steelers game if you head east, or watching the Colts in Indianapolis if you drive west. Even heading up to Detroit for a Lions game isn’t that bad of a drive from the Columbus area.

If the NFL was to consider Columbus as an expansion city, you would have to imagine they’d get a lot of push-back from at least Mike Brown and Jimmy Haslam, since both of those teams are in the state of Ohio. A lot of fans of both teams come in from Columbus to watch games throughout the year, with some even having season tickets. If the league added a third team in Ohio, it would definitely hurt ticket sales for both Cincinnati and Cleveland, and to a lesser extent Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.

Can fans afford to support both Ohio State and an NFL expansion team?


It might sound crazy asking this question about an area that has over two million people in the greater metro area, but with prices of everything rising around the country, a team in Columbus might be a tough sell to fans after the initial shine wears off. Not saying that fans around Columbus aren’t passionate about football, since we know that isn’t the case at all.

What worries me about adding an NFL team in Columbus is the trend we’ve seen recently with Ohio State’s football ticket prices rising. The Buckeyes are still packing 100,000 inside Ohio Stadium for games, but if the NFL adds a team in Columbus it will make some fans have to make a choice. The first few years could be especially tough, since you’d likely see ticket prices higher than expected since the team would be newer and fans would be more intrigued to get in and see the team play live.

Where would an NFL team in Columbus play?


Not that this should be a huge concern, but there really isn’t much room to put a new football stadium inside of I-270. Just look at how long it took the Columbus Crew to find a new location for a stadium. Granted, noted scumbag and former Crew owner Anthony Precourt insisted on a downtown stadium, which severely limited their location options. It took a while to find the current site for Lower.com Field.

There are some who would wonder why Ohio Stadium couldn’t just be renovated and the stadium shared by both the Buckeyes and an NFL expansion team? For everything that would have to be done to the stadium to get it up to NFL standards, it’d probably be less of a headache just to build a stadium for an NFL expansion team somewhere in central Ohio. While there are things inside Ohio Stadium that would be helped greatly by a renovation, it feels like a better option for the two teams to have separate homes. Plus, it feels like the field itself at Ohio Stadium might be a little small for NFL games, which is the reason why Ohio Stadium hasn’t been considered for FIFA World Cup matches in the past.

Too many other sporting event options in Columbus


This might sound a little crazy since there’s always room for more sports. Trying to consume all the sports you can at home and on television is one thing. Actually going out and shelling out the money for tickets, food, drinks, parking, and everything else that comes along with attending sporting events is a whole different story.

There are currently two professional sports team in Columbus. From October-April (and possibly later if they make the playoffs) the Columbus Blue Jackets play at Nationwide Arena. From March-late October/November Columbus Crew SC play just down the street. The Crew have gotten a shot in the arm over the past year when it comes to attendance thanks to their shiny new digs. Even though they aren’t technically a professional sports team, you also have to factor in Ohio State basketball during the fall & winter as competition for money and attention.

There are times during the year where it feels like some Blue Jackets & Buckeye basketball games are only half full. What happens if a new NFL team in Columbus has a lengthy stretch of losing in their first few years in the league? You could see interest in the team drop. It does help a little that Ohio State football wraps up their home schedule in late November, but what if college football changes and the Buckeyes are hosting playoff games in mid-December? Love for the scarlet and gray would likely come first over anything a NFL expansion team in central Ohio is doing.

On the other hand, what if things start off hot for an expansion team in Columbus? How would this hurt the Blue Jackets and Crew? Maybe fans decide to opt for season tickets for an NFL team over getting them for the Blue Jackets or Crew. As much as we’d like to believe that we’d be able to support everyone, we have to be realistic.

Final thought


It would be a whole different story if this was an expansion NBA franchise that was being floated, since not only is there Nationwide Arena for the team to play at, there are significantly less seats that have to be filled at a basketball game. Having both Ohio State football and the NFL in Columbus feels like just a little too much. What feels best for Columbus in terms of “professional” football is to get in with one of the spring leagues, and hope the league survives. While I’d love another professional sports team in central Ohio, I don’t want it to be at the expense of one that is already here and established.

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Breaking down each Ohio State starting quarterback’s second season since 2000
Chris Renne via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ryan Day talked about the bullseye on C.J. Stroud’s chest in year two, so we take a look and compare every multi-year starter’s second season at Ohio State.

C.J. Stroud is entering his second year as Ohio State’s starting quarterback after a strong statistical first season for the Buckeyes. Despite the questions surrounding Stroud in the early parts of the season, the young quarterback out of Rancho Cucamonga High School was able to show the world his talents. This offseason he is the definitive incumbent, and with this status comes much higher expectations heading into his second year as well as his draft eligibility.

Since Ryan Day has joined the Ohio State program in 2017, he’s only had two years with one quarterback so far in Justin Fields. Fields improved as a passer even with the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this should give fans a lot of confidence with Stroud entering a full offseason as the starter. With that being said Ryan Day shared his thoughts on Stroud entering his second year in an interview on the 97.1: The Fan.

“He’s got a bullseye on his chest. So he’s gonna have to bring it right from the jump, and there’s a lot that comes with that.”

The pressure is on for Stroud, and historically Ohio State quarterbacks in year two for the Buckeyes have netted mixed results. Since the year 2000, Ohio State has had eight starting quarterbacks start in at least two season openers for the Buckeyes. With that in common, all eight have shared different levels of success, and we’re going to take a look at the ranges.

Steve Bellisari


Belissari had an up and down career for the Buckeyes as the starter and is not remembered as fondly as some of the other quarterbacks on this list. With his second season as the full time starter coming in his final season, the Buckeyes were looking for Bellisari to help lead the offense like we had seen at the time with his predecessor Joe Germaine.

John Cooper was coming off 6-6 season when Bellisari earned the full time role as the quarterback, and the Buckeyes improved to 8-4 with Bellisari at the helm. Bellisari was not the prolific passer we’ve seen with his 13 touchdown to 13 interception ratio and 120.9 passer rating. The following season, Bellisari was more tumultuous with his suspension that closed out his career for the Buckeyes, but his passer rating improved to 133.4 — a respectable number for a starting quarterback.

Bellisari’s second season was not much different than his first as the starter because there really wasn’t that much of an improvement from the previous year.

Craig Krenzel


In 2002, Jim Tressel was coming off his first season after fulfilling the promise of beating arch rival Michigan. With an incredible defense in place, Tressel needed a quarterback who was going to lead the offense and not be a detriment to the defense. Krenzel played to his strengths in 2002 and had moments like “Holy Buckeye” along the way to leading the Buckeyes to a national title.

In his first season as a starter, winning a national championship overshadows almost every player in this group, but he also had his most efficient season with a 140.9 passer rating. 58.4 completion percentage, and 8.5 yards per attempt. The following season, Krenzel took a few steps back with his accuracy and the Buckeyes had less success without the defense from the previous year. In the 2003 season, Krenzel was the quarterback for Tressel’s only loss to Michigan, but the Buckeyes went 11-2 with a bowl win, which would not be enough in this upcoming season.

Justin Zwick


The product from Massilon Washington HS (Massillon, OH) was coined as the next great Ohio quarterback prospect to lead the Buckeyes. Being from the in-state power raised his profile as the quarterback who can bring the Buckeyes their next title. In his first year as the starter, he split time with Troy Smith after an injury against Iowa, which allowed Smith establish himself as a potential future option.

Zwick had a 52.5% completion percentage as a passer in his first year as a starter, and after being relieved for his injury had the opportunity to step up in the Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma State. After that strong performance, he was the season opening starter and ended losing his job to Troy Smith in the matchup against Texas. After the keys were handed off to Smith, Zwick finished his career with spot reps. The Buckeyes ended up playing for a national title under Smith, and Zwick was left with mop up duty with little improvement on the per pass numbers.

Todd Boeckman


The Buckeyes had a run of solid quarterbacks, but Boeckman is sandwiched historically between a Heisman Winner in Troy Smith and one of the most electric players in school history in Terrelle Pryor. Boeckman was no slouch though, playing for a national title as the starter in 2008 and giving the Buckeyes back to back opportunities to lay claim to the BCS National Championship trophy.

Boeckman was solid in his first season as the starter with a 63.9% completion percentage and 25 touchdowns. Unfortunately for Boeckman, after some underwhelming starts in the 2008 season, the Buckeyes moved on to the galactico recruit in Pryor. After handing the keys off, Boeckman is added to the list of a starter to lose his job in his second opportunity to be a full time starter and was also moved to mop up duty.

Terrelle Pryor


For the Ohio State, Pryor was a three-year starter after replacing Boeckman for the Buckeyes. Pryor came in as a raw passer, but the physical gifts were visible immediately. Pryor did not improve his passer rating, yards per attempt, or completion percentage with increased responsibility in his second year. However, what Pryor did do was become a more well rounded passer in each season.

In his second year – and first as the full time starter – he threw for 2,094 yards and had a passer rating of 128.9, giving him some respectable numbers. This was improved upon in his final season, which is the path that Ohio State fans are hoping for with Stroud. Pryor was also a dangerous running threat, and this unleashed a whole new variety of Tressel ball on opposing defenses.

Braxton Miller


After Pryor’s career ended on a negative note with the NCAA violations, the Buckeyes had Joe Bauserman step in. With no fond memories there, we won’t spend long getting to the next guy, which is exactly what Luke Fickell did when he handed the keys over to Braxton Miller. The Buckeyes disappointed that season in light of NCAA sanctions coming, but the fans were treated to a special athlete in Miller in that one season.

Miller started his career off using his legs, but when he came into his first season as the starter you can see his offseason work pay off with tons of improvement in the passing department. In his second season as the full time starter, Miller improved again with his most efficient season as a passer with 2,094 yards, 24 touchdowns, and a 158.1 passer rating, which paved the way to him becoming one of the only players to average 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards. This unfortunately ended up being his final season as a quarterback, but before his shoulder injury, Miller showed that even high level quarterbacks can take steps forward.

J.T. Barrett


After Miller’s fall camp injury in 2014, J.T. Barrett earned the starting job and excelled immediately, leading the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title game. After injuring his leg in the season finale against Michigan, the rest of that season is etched in college football lure with third string quarterback Cardale Jones leading the Buckeyes to three straight victories to claim a national title. The following season this led to Barrett and Jones splitting time.

Barrett’s second season he did not begin the year as the starting quarterback, and his efficiency was not on the same level as his freshman season. Part of this was due to the coaching change and coming back from injury. In his second full season as the starter — his junior season — Barrett still couldn’t recapture the level he played at his freshman year. Even with his numbers not being at that same elite level, Barrett still led the Buckeyes to the playoffs.

In his final season, Barrett finally reached the level he started at and was able to play some high level quarterback to close out his career, but as we can see once again second year starters are not guaranteed to improve.

Justin Fields


Ryan Day’s first hand picked quarterback and arguably the most talented in school history in Justin Fields was a prolific two year starter. After transferring from Georgia, Fields became the Buckeyes starter immediately and never looked back. In his first season as the Buckeyes’ starter he threw for 41 touchdowns to just three interceptions. He also averaged 9.2 yards per attempt to go with his 181.4 passer rating.

This prolific start to his career was the start to something special, and with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic aligning with Fields’ second year as a starter, he still played at an incredibly high level. In only eight games, Fields improved both in yards per attempt and completion percentage. His touchdown to interception ratio was not as good, however, and his passer rating dropped five points. Expectations were high for Fields and he met them, but it shows how challenging it is to improve in year two as a signal caller with all eyes on you.

Conclusion


Ryan Day said it himself: there is a lot that goes into being an elite quarterback right out of the gate, and with a quick look at history, a lot of Ohio State quarterbacks have not been up to the challenge in their second seasons as starters. If Stroud wants his legacy to be at the forefront of the minds of the Buckeye faithful, he can’t stay stagnate even with his already incredible numbers. If Stroud doesn’t improve and isn’t able to start out strong against Notre Dame, anything he does statistically will be less important.

There are no guarantees that Stroud will improve, but from everything coming out of the football facility he is doing everything he can to prove that year one wasn’t a fluke. With losing to Michigan and not making the Big Ten title game, Stroud will have his detractors. For him, the only way to get rid of them is to improve on his first season as a starter and not fall into the pattern we’ve seen with incumbent starters for the Buckeyes.

As we’ve seen with Bellisari, Zwick, and Boeckman, being the incumbent doesn’t guraantee anything in regards to success. We saw how the eight quarterbacks who started multiple seasons differed statistically. For a lot of these quarterbacks, year two has defined legacies.

Stroud will look to make sure his name goes into the history books like his predecessor Fields. For Stroud, time will tell which side of history he falls on, but under Ryan Day there should be confidence that he will take his game to another level.

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Wrapping up the 2022 Buckeye baseball season
David M Wheeler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Ohio State athletics.

Coach Greg Beals and Ohio State part ways as Bucks fail to qualify for Big Ten Tournament

It’s almost a relief to close the book on this Ohio State baseball season. It had started in February with high hopes and a flurry of wins. After all, nearly all of the position players, including the big hitters, were returning. But the Buckeyes lost their entire starting pitching rotation and, therefore, were counting on unproven arms. They had to come through for the Bucks to be successful. And, frankly, they didn’t. The team’s 6.51 ERA didn’t cut it.

Things quickly turned sour, and, as the year ground on, it became obvious that this one would be a stinker. OSU simply couldn’t get any traction, couldn’t put together any sort of win streak and finished the campaign with a 21-30 overall record, 8-14 in conference play. The top eight programs, of the 13 fielding baseball teams, made it into the Big Ten tournament. The Bucks finished 11th and were left out, the season ending when a matchup scheduled for 5/21 with USC-Upstate was canceled.

Beals fired


On Monday of this week, the Ohio State Athletic Department announced that they were canceling Greg Beals’ remaining year on his contract. A search for his replacement is scheduled to start immediately. Over his 12-season Buckeye career, Beals compiled a 346-288-1 record overall and 141-139 in the Big Ten. Not terrible certainly, but for Ohio State, not good enough. Beals’ accomplishments include winning the conference tournament championships in 2016 and 2019.

Recent action


Since our last coverage of OSU baseball a couple of weeks ago, the Buckeyes have gone 4-2, taking two out of three from conference rival Penn State, beating Cincinnati in a mid-week game, and splitting a two-game series with USC-Upstate. Here are the scores of those six games.

Friday, May 13. Penn State 13, Ohio State 7
Saturday, May 14. Ohio State 11, Penn State 0
Sunday, May 16. Ohio State 12, Penn State 3
Tuesday, May 17. Ohio State 5, Cincinnati 3
Thursday, May 19. USC-Upstate 6, Ohio State 5
Friday, May 20. Ohio State 13, USC-Upstate 10

Season statistics


As we examine the stats for the year, it’s easy to see just what went wrong. It wasn’t the hitting. The Buckeyes put up an impressive .283 team batting average to their opponents’ .267. And even though the Buckeyes were outscored by the opponents this season, 374-351, OSU averaged nearly nine runs a contest – not bad by any means.

No, it was pitching (and, to a lesser extent, fielding) that let the Bucks down. The Scarlet and Gray committed 84 errors, to just 54 for their foes. The team ERA for the Buckeye pitching staff was 6.51 (to their opponents’ 6.15).

Batting leaders —

• Marcus Ernst: .337
• Zach Dezenzo: .319
• Brent Todys: .317
• Archer Brookman: .299
• Kade Kern: .298.

Home runs —

• Dezenzo: 19
• Kern: 9
• Mitchell Okuley: 8
• Trey Lipsey: 7
• Drew Reckart: 6

RBI —

• Dezenzo: 56
• Kern: 49
• Okuley: 30
• Colton Braun: 28
• Lipsey: 26

Starting pitchers —

• Wyatt Loncar: 2-4, 4.56 ERA
• Isaiah Coupet: 5-6, 5.85
• Nate Haberthier: 0-6, 6.75.

Best reliever —

• T.J. Brock: 3.76 ERA

Postseason honors


Four Buckeyes were named to various All Big Ten teams for 2022.

Dezenzo was placed on the second team. During the year, Zach established a new single-season home run record for Ohio State with 19. Moreover, he averaged more than one RBI per game, with his team-leading 56 in 51 games played.

Marcus Ernst, who led the Bucks in batting, and Kade Kern, who was a freshman All-American last season, were named to the third team. Leftfielder Trey Lipsey appeared on the All-Freshman team. Senior catcher Brent Todys received the Buckeyes’ Sportsmanship Award for 2022.

And that’s it until next season.

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for May 26, 2022
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.

Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.

You’re welcome!

On the Gridiron


Ohio State has not won a marquee non-conference home game since 2010
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land

Devin Brown showing early signs of becoming ‘Buckeye great’ (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

C.J. Stroud growing leadership qualities as second-year starter for Buckeyes
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Believe me, I understand this perspective, but if Ohio State loses to TTUN but still wins a national title, I think the vast majority of Buckeye fans would be just fine with that.


Ohio State’s offensive line prepares for the next level
Colin Gay, Scarlet & Gray Report

Freshmen Linebackers C.J. Hicks and Gabe Powers Have “Really Impressed” Jim Knowles But Are “Still Figuring Things Out”
Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

Day Calls Notre Dame a ‘Big Challenge’ for Ohio State in Home Opener
Chase Brown, Buckeye Sports Bulletin

Column: Losing divisions would only make Ohio State more dominant
Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

Forgotten Buckeyes: Raymont Harris was a versatile back who patiently waited his turn and produced a special senior season
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land

Win a title this year and we’ll give you a lifetime contract.


Ryan Day, Ohio State have focus ‘circled’ on NIL, changing landscape
Jeremy Birmingham, Lettermen Row

Ohio State’s Ryan Day named a Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

On the Hardwood


Buckeyes in the WNBA Report: Week 2
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

2022 NBA Mock Drafts: Examining where Ohio State’s EJ Liddell is projected to go
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

I spy two Buckeyes on this list:

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Men’s Tennis: Vocel and Cash Defeat Defending National Champs to Advance to the NCAA Quarters
Ohio State Athletics

Let’s Go, Bucks!


Men’s Track & Field: Two Qualify for National Championships on Day One of NCAA Regionals
Ohio State Athletics

Field Hockey: Malen Iglesias Joins Ohio State for 2022 Season
Ohio State Athletics

And now for something completely different...


I’m going to tell my kids this is Deion Sanders.


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Whats up guys; just spent a good 30 mins talking about playing OSU from a Badgers fan perspective - why we can't ever beat you along with the most painful losses to the Buckeyes. I'm hopeful that we might be ya'll again at some point.... somehow... lol

Just thought you guys might enjoy - (must be nice)!

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Tomorrow we kick it off with Bill Willis



Please read this thread now. Its important.

Yes, it's real.....................and it's fucking spectacular.

Oh, these guys are feisty. They're FEISTY!

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So, folks, things aren't good and I'm going to cut to the chase.

Right now, the model here is unsustainable and we don't have enough revenue to keep the lights on.

We have 2 main issues.

1. We're in arrears on hosting. We need to pay soon, we could used $500ish in the next few days. Make it $450. And we'll be needing some money pretty quickly beyond that.

I am VERY sorry to have to make this request in this way, we didn't want to have to ask with this kind of urgency yet again.

2. Long term, we have a real problem, and that problem, some of us feel is only going to be solved by finding a buyer for the website. (There were conversations about this coming to pass, it doesn't look like that's going to work out, but we had a single buyer interested, and as a result that's why I didn't make an ask for cash for hosting sooner, so my deepest apologies for the urgency here, it wasn't anyone's intent).

Bottom line is, we're going to need leadership to take the site forward.

-OR-

We're going to need a lot of $5 a month subscribers.

-OR-

We're all going to have to kind of say, well, it was a hell of a run, thanks for the memories, catch you later, and start exchanging email addresses so I can insult you that way.

So, what this thread is about is about is a community wide attempt to have that discussion.

I wish I had a bunch of details, but I don't. I know there's a few folks out there who might want to invest but not necessarily lead us to the next place, and if you're still interested in that, shoot me a note so I kind of have an idea. Obviously if you have any idea of what you might have in mind as a leadership role, let me know that too.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS THREAD: is to discuss anything about this issue. if for some reason you you don't want to reach out to me, @LordJeffBuck or @Buckeyeskickbuttocks I'm sure will be willing to field your questions, etc.

But please be clear, there is urgency here, and we may not have long even to discuss the part where BP may cease to operate.

Two things: First, If you'd like to make a small donation so we can discuss this for at least another month or two, please do it here.

Second, if you post in another thread, please copy this below into that thread so we can get the attention of folks who splash in to new posts or some other way than this forum:

Please read this thread now. Its important.

@5 STAR U-G-A I'm looking at you.

Yikes!

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Class: 2023 (high school)
Position: Offensive line
School: Indianapolis (IN) Roncalli
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 285 lbs

Ohio State begins its second century of Ohio football supremacy
David M Wheeler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


From the cover of a vintage Yeomen football program. | Photo by John Kanuit Photography/Sports Studio Photos/Getty Images

Quick trivia question: which Ohio football team was the last to beat the Buckeyes?

(If you’re still thinking about the answer to the trivia question above, stop reading now. The answer will be revealed very, very quickly.)

Last week at a party I ran into a friend that I hadn’t seen for a couple of years (pre-pandemic). We talked about what we had been up to, and I, of course, mentioned writing for LGHL and about Ohio State football. Then he hit me with the question above. I didn’t know, and he cheerfully told me that his alma mater, Oberlin College, was the last, as the Yeomen defeated the Buckeyes on Oct. 8, 1921, by a score of 7-6.

Since then, Ohio State has beaten every in-state school that it’s played. Curiously, there’s a gap dating from a 76-0 win over Western Reserve in 1934, until a 17-6 Buckeye victory over Bowling Green on Sept. 12, 1992, when the Bucks played nobody in-state. I wonder why?


Looking over the various series records introduces lots of oddities. Which among Ohio colleges and universities has OSU played most? The 17 games against Cincinnati? No. It’s the 29-game series against Ohio Wesleyan (OSU leads the series 26-2-1). That’s followed by 26 games against Oberlin and 23 each against Kenyon College and the Case Institute of Technology.

Only Western Reserve, among Ohio schools, holds a series edge against the Buckeyes: 6-5-1. And it will stand. Western Reserve and Case merged in 1967 to form Case Western Reserve.


I told my friend that I’d write this piece and let him know when it gets posted, so I’d better return to Oberlin. Yes, the Bucks hold the series lead – but not by much, 13-10-3.

The Ohio State – Oberlin series began in 1892, very soon after football was introduced at both schools. Oberlin began competing in 1891 and the Buckeyes just the year before that, when they beat Ohio Wesleyan 20-14 in May 1890 (apparently, football was played year-around), to launch their storied history. In the fall of that same year, however, the Bucks fell to the mighty College of Wooster, 64-0. To the Fighting Scots of Wooster: C.J. Stroud welcomes a rematch!

For the 1892 season, Oberlin hired John Heisman (yes, the Heisman for whom the trophy is named) as the football coach. Having been a star player at Penn, Heisman enrolled in some graduate courses at Oberlin and played in several of the Oberlin games. You were eligible if you were a student, and player-coaches were fairly common then, as there was a shortage of both.

In the series opener between the two schools, Oberlin trounced the Buckeyes 40-4 on Oct. 15. It wasn’t a fluke. Heisman’s “O” Men, as the team was called then, beat the Bucks again three weeks later (No. 7) 50-0. Interestingly, the enrollments at the two schools were about the same in the 1890s, and Oberlin was a midwest power that year, posting a perfect 7-0 record. In addition to the two wins over Ohio State, Oberlin also handled Michigan in 1892.

By the time that the 1920s rolled around, though, Ohio State was fast becoming a major university, while Oberlin was an academically respected college, with an outstanding music school. Their sizes were no longer equivalent. Nor, it was thought, were their football teams. The Bucks had beaten Oberlin, now called the “Yeomen,” 37-0 in 1920 and was heavily favored in the 1921 matchup to be played in Columbus.

The “Shoe” was under construction and would open in October the following year, so the Buckeyes and Yeomen faced off in old Ohio Stadium, in front of a crowd of about 10,000. The field was a mess after a day and night of heavy rains, and it was evident early on that this one would be a low-scoring affair.

But the Bucks broke through the Yeomen line to block a first-quarter punt, which was scooped up and carried into the end zone for an OSU touchdown. The extra point failed, and the Buckeyes led 6-0.

That’s how the score remained, as the teams exchanged punts until about midway through the third quarter when Oberlin put together a sustained drive — one that took them nearly 80 yards to the Ohio State seven-yard line. From there, Oberlin tailback Al Wheeler threw a pass (remember – John Heisman liked the forward pass) to W.E. Parkhill in the end zone to tie the score. Parkhill then kicked the PAT for the 7-6 lead. The Buckeyes couldn’t do anything. The Yeomen held. And Oberlin had the last in-state victory against the Buckeyes. It’s a win that figures pretty prominently on the Oberlin website.

So, yes, my friend, you have something to boast about. The record has stood a long time — over 100 years now. With the disparity in conferences, athletic budgets, and sheer talent, it seems unlikely that, in the near future, there would be any danger of the record falling – except, perhaps, to Cincinnati, which has emerged now as a legitimate power.

And though you were right about Oberlin’s 7-6 win, you failed to mention Oberlin’s participation in another Ohio State record. On Oct. 14, 1916, the Buckeyes beat the Oberlin eleven by the astonishing score of 128-0 — still the most lopsided score in OSU history.

Take that!

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Ohio State men’s basketball eyeing trio of versatile forwards to round out 2023 recruiting class
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo courtesy of Michael McCammon/247Sports

Ohio State’s two-man class has room for a few more members.

As we inch closer to the 2022-23 season, recruiting will hone in on the class of 2023 as many of the nation’s top players still are uncommitted. Ohio State, which had the No. 12 class in the country for the 2022 cycle, currently has the No. 5 class in the country in 2023. Their two-man class consists of four-star combo guard George Washington III (No. 46 overall) and four-star center Austin Parks (No. 90 overall).




Moving forward, the Buckeyes should be set at center with Zed Key, Felix Okpara, and Parks all projected to be on the 2023-24 roster. They also should have enough guard depth with Bruce Thornton, Tanner Holden, Roddy Gayle, Bowen Hardman, and Washington all on the 2023-24 roster as well. However, with Seth Towns and Justice Sueing both moving on, Ohio State will need to add some depth at both the small forward and power forward positions. Coincidentally, the Buckeyes do not have a forward in their 2023 class yet. That will change soon.

While Chris Holtmann and staff could certainly shock us and lock up someone completely different, it’s looking like Ohio State is focusing on three forwards in the class of 2023:

• Four-star SF Dailyn Swain from Columbus Africentric High School (No. 63 overall)
• Four-star SF Devin Royal from Pickerington Central High School (No. 86 overall)
• Four-star SF Scotty Middleton from Sunrise Christian High School (No. 49 overall)

Ohio State has been aggressively pursuing all three wings. Middleton included the Buckeyes in his final five schools back on April 21, alongside Kansas, UCONN, Seton Hall, and Texas A&M. Middleton was offered by Ohio State back in January and took an official visit in March. He cut his list down to five a few weeks later, and the Buckeyes were right there.



Middleton told Eleven Warriors in April that he liked the family feel at Ohio State. He said he liked the fact that older players — like D’Angelo Russell, Mike Conley, Evan Turner, Keyshawn Woods, and others — return in the summer and work directly with the current team. He also said that all five schools are “even” right now, and he does not have an idea of when he’ll announce his college decision.


Middleton stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 180 pounds. He is categorized as a small forward, but could potentially slide over to shooting guard or even point guard if needed. With his slim figure, it’s unlikely he could play the four or five. Ohio State values versatility, and recruits typically reciprocate that feeling if it means a better chance to see early minutes. At No. 49 overall, Middleton is the highest ranked of the three forwards the Buckeyes are gunning for, and they appear to have a legitimate shot at getting him.

Swain is the second forward Ohio State has their eye on. He was the Division III player of the year in Ohio this past season, averaging 20.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.9 steals, and 3 blocks per game.



He does not have a list of schools he is considering at this time, but Ohio State, Cincinnati, Xavier, Marquette, and Virginia Tech are all heavily involved. The No. 63 player in the 2023 class, Swain made an unofficial visit to Ohio State on June 24, 2021 and received a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes the same day. Similarly to how Ohio State views 2022 commit Brice Sensabaugh and how they viewed star E.J. Liddell, Swain said that the Buckeyes love his versatility and ability to defend multiple positions:

“They showed me they could beat any team in the country; they beat Duke, who was No. 1 at the time. They showed how they stay together and are really good with game plans. Their players are coachable and when they follow the game plan from the coaches, they can play with anyone. They feel like I can play any position on the floor and guard the one through four. The coaches really like my versatility.”


Swain recently told 247Sports that Ohio State is in touch with him multiple times per week.

“There hasn’t been a week where I haven’t talked to them. They stay in touch a lot. They’re just checking in and seeing what I’m up to. They tell me what they think about my games and stuff like that.”

In my opinion, Swain is the most likely of the three to end up a Buckeye. Ohio State has some big competition for Middleton, and Royal (we’ll touch on him in a moment) has seen his recruitment heat up quite a bit in the last few months. Being a Columbus kid, the Buckeyes should have the inside track to get Swain in the scarlet and gray.

The third forward Ohio State has been aggressively going after is four-star Devin Royal. Royal plays for nearby Pickerington Central High School, and has seen his stock rise considerably over the past few months. Not too long ago, Royal was a three-star prospect and outside the top-100 in 247Sports’ rankings. Now he’s the No. 86 player in the country, the No. 4 player in Ohio, and a four-star recruit.



Ohio State was the biggest program recruiting Royal for awhile, but since his season ended, Michigan State, Illinois, and Wisconsin have all become heavily involved. Royal is already Big Ten-sized at 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, something neither Middleton nor Swain can say. Royal won’t need to bulk up much once he gets to college, he’ll just need to tone the weight he already has.

Like Middleton and Swain, Ohio State loves Royal’s versatility. He averaged 19.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game as a junior on the way to winning the Division-I state championship. He’s classified as a small forward according to 247Sports, but he continues to work on his ballhandling and passing to play different roles if needed.

Royal spoke to 247Sports earlier this month about all of the schools pursuing him. On Ohio State:

”It’s a good vibe. They really like how versatile I am and they love me for me and how I play. They just tell me that it would be good to stay close to home, but to me distance doesn’t matter it is more about the relationship that I have with them and how they play.”


Ohio State offered Royal in October of last year, and he was in attendance on month later to watch the Buckeyes upset top-ranked Duke at the Schott. The Buckeyes were the second Big Ten team to offer Royal a scholarship, after only Penn State. Royal also plays on the same AAU team as Ohio State commit George Washington III.

None of the three have picked a date of when they will announce their college choice, and only Middleton has narrowed down any kind of list. Both Swain and Royal have said previously that they would like their recruitment to be over before their senior seasons start in November.

Will Ohio State land one of these three? It seems that way, and all three would be quality additions to the 2023 class. Could Ohio State land two of these guys? That’s harder to pin down because of the unpredictability of the transfer portal. Right now, Ohio State has four players departing after the 2022-23 season. That means the Buckeyes could add a total of two more players via transfer or 2023 recruits, assuming Holden stays for a scond season and nobody transfers out.

Right now it appears Swain is the most likely to wind up in Columbus, followed by Royal, and then Middleton. But with no timetable for any of them, no list for two of the three, and new teams getting involved all the time, it’s difficult to tell if the Buckeyes are the favorite for any of these three talented players.

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for May 23, 2022
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.

Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.

You’re welcome!

For your Earholes...


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On the Gridiron


Column: As chaos swirls throughout college athletics, Ohio State has remained undeterred
Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio lawmakers urge NCAA to restore Buckeyes’ vacated 2010 wins
Nick Kosko, 247Sports

Next Man Up: How Buckeyes can replace leadership, find new Block O (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Pretty much every sportsbook has OSU at -14 against Notre Dame:


Kamryn Babb Still Has High Hopes of Making On-Field Impact While Providing Valuable Leadership for Ohio State
Dan Hope, Elven Warriors

Eichenberg continues to step up for Buckeyes at linebacker says Knowles

Dave Biddle, Bucknuts

That, unfortunately, didn’t last very long:


What will Miyan Williams bring to the Ohio State run game?
Colin Gay, Scarlet and Gray Report

The cycle that helped Ohio State football coach Ryan Day double his salary in 4 years
Doug Lesmerises, cleveland.com

On the Hardwood


Report: Ohio State to play North Carolina in CBS Sports Classic
Patrick Murphy, Land-Grant Holy Land

Roster Analysis: Holtmann has personnel set for 2022-23 Ohio State team
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts

But y’all said he needed to stay in school another year:


Former American University Forward Karla Vreš Transferring to Ohio State
Braden Moles, Buckeye Sports Bulletin

You’re Nuts: Which Ohio State men’s basketball freshman will score the most points this season?
Connor Lemons and Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land

The Cleveland Cavaliers could find themselves in a position to land the “kid from Akron” again this summer... and his name is not LeBron James
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land

Outside The Shoe and Schott


Buckeyes fall to Kentucky in NCAA men’s tennis semifinal
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State Buckeyes eliminated from NCAA softball tournament with 5-1 loss to Oregon State
Staff Reports, The Columbus Dispatch

Really good season for the softball Buckeyes:


Softball: Seniors Reflect on Their Careers and the 2022 Season
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Tennis: Buckeyes Set for NCAA Singles and Doubles Tournaments
Ohio State Athletics

And now for something completely different...


I grew up a Reds’ fan first and foremost, but an Orioles’ fan second (Cal Ripken is still my favorite player ever), so this is awesome!


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Four-star cornerback from Georgia includes Ohio State as finalist
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ethan Nation | Andrew Ivins, 247Sports

The Buckeyes are well-positioned for the coveted pledge of a four-star defensive back from the peach state.

Ohio State and newly hired cornerbacks coach Tim Walton saw a positive development in their pursuit for a blue-chip defensive back from Georgia over the weekend. Plus, a new 2023 prospect emerges as a target for the Buckeyes after the program heads to Maryland to deliver their latest offer.

Four-star CB reveals finalists


After initially jumping into the mix for 2023 four-star cornerback Ethan Nation of Roswell (GA) back in May of last year, the Buckeyes are now aware of where they stand just a full calendar year later. On Friday evening, Nation revealed on Twitter that he narrowed his recruitment down and will begin focusing on eight schools in particular.


The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder did include Ohio State in the group of finalists for his coveted pledge. The Buckeyes will look to outlast the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Michigan, Oregon, Texas A&M, and USC if they want to push themselves to the front of the pack for Nation.

Nation currently slots in as the No. 178 prospect overall in this year’s recruiting class. Additionally, the peach state defensive back slots in as the 22nd highest graded cornerback in the class and the 15th best prospect from the talented state of Georgia.

While their is no known timetable on a decision for Nation, it is worth mentioning that the Buckeyes currently hold pledges from three 2023 prospects in the defensive secondary with a trio of four-stars in Malik Hartford of Lakota West (OH), Cedrick Hawkins of Cocoa (FL), and Dijon Johnson of Wharton (FL) already on board.

Babalade lands Buckeye offer


Ohio State and offensive line coach Justin Frye had their eyes on the state of Maryland this weekend as 2023 three-star offensive tackle Oluwatosin Babalade of DeMatha Catholic (MD) was on the receiving end of an offer from the Buckeyes.


Ohio State’s offer to Babalade pushes the 6-foot-5, 296-pounder closer to 25 offers as a prospect thus far. The Buckeyes joined Florida, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami (FL), North Carolina, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and many more as programs that have sent a scholarship offer to Babalade.

The Stags standout offensive lineman is currently graded as the No. 549 overall prospect in the 2023 class. While the overall grade might not be the most appealing to Buckeye fans, Babalade is consider a Top 10 prospect in the talent-rich state of Maryland. Plus, a big senior season for Babalade could be cause for a big jump in the rankings.

Aside from his latest offer from Ohio State, Babalade also spent the weekend in Chapel Hill as the Hyattsville native took a visit to North Carolina.

Quick Hits

• Ohio State played host to 2024 four-star defensive lineman Xadavien Sims of Durant (OK) on Friday morning. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder has yet to receive an offer from the Buckeyes but is currently pegged as an early Top 60 prospect in the class by 247Sports.
• According to Griffin Strom of Eleven Warriors, 2023 three-star shooting guard Lawrent Rice of Wayne (OH) is planning to make another visit to Ohio State “soon.” Rice currently slots in as the No. 6 player in Ohio and is just one spot behind Buckeye pledge and four-star center Austin Parks of Memorial (OH).
• After initially including Ohio State as a finalist in April, 2023 four-star offensive tackle Chase Bisontis of Don Bosco Prep (NJ) narrowed his list even further on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, Bisontis will move forward focusing on the likes of Georgia, LSU, Michigan State, Rutgers, and Texas A&M.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers could find themselves in a position to land the “kid from Akron” again this summer... and his name is not LeBron James
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Could Branham find himself back in Northeast Ohio as a pro? | Jeff Lange via Imagn Content Services, LLC

With the 14th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Cavs should take look at local product, Malaki Branham.

Ohio (the state of) basketball fans can hear it now: “With the 14th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select... from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School... and The Ohio State University... Shooting guard... Malaki Branham!”

I hope you appreciate the dramatic pauses, because Adam Silver – the commissioner of the NBA – uses them to near-perfection on draft night. While he may or may not make a similar announcement on June 23, there is a very real possibility that the Cavs could be in a position draft another young star with significant ties to Northeast Ohio. And while the late lottery is a little too rich for my blood, I am sure Branham would love to have his name called 14th overall.


LeBron James was the original kid from Akron, at least when it pertains to popular culture. James once famously referred to himself as, “just a kid from Akron.” It has become so popular and so synonymous with the NBA star, that LBJ now uses it as sort of a mantra or tagline in interviews and commercials. Well, Branham is not James. He is not the heir to the throne. And he is also not from Akron — at least not in the truest sense.

Branham was raised in Columbus, but moved to Northeast Ohio to attend high school and play ball at St. Vincent-St. Mary. His ascent to potential lottery pick has been more of a slow burn (compared to that of James), but he will soon find himself in the same league and/or sharing the same court with a player he likely looked up to.

Now that I’ve beaten the Akron thing to death, let’s talk basketball. The Cleveland Cavaliers clearly struck gold when they drafted James in 2003. Nearly two decades later, they could potentially go after another local product in Branham, but the circumstances are much different. The Cavs needed a basketball lifeline in 2003. They were a franchise in peril. Neither is the case in 2022.

The Cavs would have been a playoff team this year if not for terrible injury luck. And I’m not making up far-fetched excuses. They were the 2-seed as late as February! Unfortunately, up and coming guard Collin Sexton played all of 11 games before tearing his meniscus in November. Ricky Rubio, who was a revelation for the squad, tore his ACL after 34 games. Young stars Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen combined to miss nearly 50 games, and by the end of the season, the Cavs were out of the race. They still competed in the play-in tournament, but it wasn’t the same team. They should absolutely bounce back and be a contender next year.

So Branham – if he were to be drafted by the Cavs – would not join a franchise in need of rescuing. He would join a young team on the rise. But does he fit, and is he worth the price tag? I think both questions are debatable.

Starting with fit: yes, I believe Branham could eventually flourish with the current core of the roster. He is only redundant with Caris Levert (also raised in Columbus), and the former Pickerington Central star has just one season remaining on his current contract. Sexton is also in the mix at guard, but he is a restricted free agent coming off a knee injury.

A collection of four guards can easily co-exist, especially in today’s NBA. The Cavs could roll out a three-guard lineup with consistency, or simply stagger minutes. Fit is not the issue. Value is where I have questions. As much as I love Branham, I am not sure he is worth the 14th overall pick (which admittedly puts me in the minority). As a team with playoff aspirations, the Cavs need a player who can contribute right away, and if that player happens to be a solid wing defender, even better.

As currently constructed (with Sexton, whose RFA offers can be matched by the Cavs), Cleveland is strong at the guard position, and strong up front. They are lacking in-between. Isaac Okoro is a talented, defensive-minded wing, but his offensive game is not fully developed. He is also listed primarily as a small forward, despite standing at 6-foot-5 (the same height as Branham). But the Cavs have plenty of core players who are 6-foot-5 and under, and then a separate logjam of 7-footers. Which is why I think the teams needs a Scottie Barnes-type, or a bigger wing/forward with considerable reps under his belt.

Branham could wind up being a Levert clone, albeit much younger and potentially more talented. While there is room for both, drafting Branham would be an investment in the Cavs’ future — not the present. That is why I question the value. Because serious playoff contenders should prioritize immediate impact. Landing a player who can make an impact while simultaneously improving on the fly is an ideal scenario, but I’m not sure Branham is that guy... At least not yet.

If the Ohio State one-and-done star reaches his ceiling, I think DeMar DeRozan and/or Khris Middleton are good comps. Branham doesn’t possess quite the athleticism that a young DeRozan did, and he is not a lights-out shooter in the way Middleton currently is, but he could eventually be a great combination of the two. That being said, I believe it will take time.

I just don’t know if his ability to create shots in the midrange is an elite skill, especially at the NBA level. Maybe Branham is more athletic than I give him credit for, and maybe his outside shooting is sustainable in higher volume, but I actually think that his former OSU teammate E.J. Liddell is better suited to contribute to a contender right away. You can call me nuts, and you wouldn’t be the first (or last) to do so.

Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
While OSU fans certainly hope both of these guys find success in the NBA, I would not be shocked if the one on the left is first to do so

I truly hope that Branham becomes a star. I cannot stress that enough. I think he is working with a seriously impressive skillset, and the potential is there. But he’s young, and he found himself playing an alpha role for the Buckeyes because they lacked a strong supporting cast. I don’t believe that he will enjoy the same freedom of movement at the next level. If he is unable to rely on 8-10 open midrange jumpers per game, then he will need to improve his secondary offensive skills, not to mention his defense, in order to stay on the court. Is the totality of his game worth the 14th overall pick? I have no idea, but there is a chance we find out in June.

Critiques aside, Branham becoming a Cavalier would be an all-time moment for Ohio basketball fans like myself. And if it were to happen, I would absolutely line up for a jersey. Because my critiques are rooted in actually, you know, rooting for a player’s development and for that individual to reach their ceiling. It’s all love here. So go Bucks and go Malaki! Cleveland would be lucky to have you.

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Class: 2024 (high school)
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Crystal Balls from Wiltfong and Kurelic

Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Breaking down the biggest matchups on Ohio State’s 2022 schedule
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

The Buckeyes have a handful of marquee matchups this season, including the season opener against Notre Dame and a big rematch with TTUN.

The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast ‘Hangout in the Holy Land’ is here! Join LGHL’s co-managing editor Gene Ross alongside his co-host Josh Dooley as they cover everything from football to basketball to recruiting and more!

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio


On this week’s episode, Gene and Josh run through the 2022 Ohio State football schedule. While there is still a ways to go until the Buckeyes will officially kick off their new campaign, the guys break down some of the biggest matchups ahead for Ryan Day’s crew, including a season opener under the lights against Notre Dame and a high-stakes rematch with Michigan in Columbus to close it out. They discuss some of the storylines and opposing faces heading into the season’s marquee games, as well as how Ohio State matches up with the teams on their schedule as well was within the Big Ten at large.

“Hangout in the Holy Land” is will now return to one episode a week during the offseason, dropping every Wednesday (don’t hold us to that). Be sure to download and listen in wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple to let us know your thoughts and how we can make things even better!

You can also follow us on Twitter @HolyLandPod, where we will want to hear from you guys even more! If there’s anything you’d like us to talk about on the show, @ us and let us know!

As always, Go Bucks.


Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @HolyLandPod

Connect with Gene:
Twitter: @Gene_Ross23

Connect with Josh
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye

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Forgotten Buckeyes: Fullback edition
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Howie McCormick/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty Images

The ongoing series where we re-remember lesser known or potentially forgotten Buckeye heroes.

Shortly after I began contributing to Land Grant Holy Land, I realized that I was already struggling to come up with good content for the offseason/summer months. Hell of a start, right? But unfortunately, once the NFL Draft takes place, the content well tends to dry up unless you’ve already dialed in on one of the spring sports or the NBA Draft (but as Buckeye hoops fans... you get it). Ohio State football and basketball – our most popular topics – are still part of the news cycle, but they have taken a back seat. And recruiting... well, there are people at LGHL who do a hell of a job covering it, so I wasn’t about to swim with those sharks.

I needed to think outside the box. I thought: Football is months away, basketball is months away, recruiting is speculative and subject to change... many of the topics being covered now revolve around future events or predictions. But what about former players? And I’m not talking recent or soon-to-be draftees, because those athletes are still being talked or written about.

I am referring to unheralded and underappreciated Buckeyes from decades ago, that have been forgotten by some (or most) since they last donned the scarlet and gray. And there it was: Forgotten Buckeyes. Other OSU fans and media types have taken a similar approach to recognition, but this is my personal way of appreciating those who left an indelible mark at Ohio State.

Welcome to Volume II.


Hand up, my mistake... I did not cover a fullback during last summer’s Forgotten Buckeyes series. Total error on my part, and it was very odd considering that I used to love watching guys like Mike Alstott, Larry Centers, Lorenzo Neal, and Cory Schlesinger in the NFL. They were legitimately some of my favorite players. It simply comes down to the fact that fullbacks did not (and do not) typically receive Alstott-level attention at Ohio State — at least not in the years I have been a fan.

I missed the careers of Jim Otis, John Brockington, and Pete Johnson, so I don’t feel qualified to write about their potentially forgotten greatness. And the Zach Boren-types have been few and far between ever since. I also think Boren is still a very well-known player, even among younger fans. But there were a couple of guys who I believe slipped through the cracks during the 1990’s and early 2000’s. In an effort to make up for my past negligence, this week’s Forgotten Buckeyes is a double dose of mean, nasty, hard-hitting fullback appreciation.

Nicky Sualua | Fullback (1993-1995)


Sualua rarely carried the ball, but was always looking for contact

Nicky Sualua was a two-way football player, wrestler, and weightlifting champion in high school. If that doesn’t scream fullback, I don’t know what does. He did all of the above while attending football powerhouse Mater Dei (HS) in Santa Ana, California — a school that has produced scores of NCAA football and NFL-level talent. Sualua committed to Ohio State in January of 1993, and famously stated that he was “looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Big Eight.” Whoops...

If they were even aware of Sualua’s gaffe, OSU fans would have forgiven his misconceptions regarding the conference they play(ed) in, because he eventually developed into a devastating blocker for the Buckeyes. But it didn’t happen right away. Sualua took a redshirt in 1993. He then lost the battle for the starting fullback role in 1994, and only took over when two of his peers were beset by injuries. Regardless of how it happened, Sualua took full advantage of the opportunity to start and function as the team’s lead blocker.

With Alex Rodriguez forced to retire for medical reasons, and Matt Calhoun also dinged up, the 5-foot-11, 250-pounder from Santa Ana started the final eight games of the ’94 season. Unlike fullbacks in previous years, Sualua was not featured in the run game often (only 25 carries). He was asked to pass protect and pave the way for star running back Eddie George, which is exactly what he did. George rushed for 1,442 yards behind Sualua and an improved offensive line, and established his name as one of the most dangerous players in all of college football. The “other guys” received very little credit, but such is the life for a fullback and/or offensive lineman.

After going 9-4 the previous season, Ohio State was being mentioned as a national championship contender in 1995. Sualua returned to block for George, but missed the first two games while he worked himself into playing shape. The reason he was late in doing so, is because he missed most of fall camp due to academic issues. However, it was not the last time academics got in the way of Sualua suiting up for the Buckeyes. But he eventually got into playing shape and out of the doghouse, and helped open up holes and running room for the eventual Heisman Trophy winner.

George rushed for over 1,900 yards and 24 touchdowns, and added 417 more yards through the air. Sualua did not put up the stats himself, but he was a contributor to greatness. The fullback did chip in with 20 carries for 109 yards, and also became more involved in the passing game. He caught 17 passes for 129 yards, including the only two touchdowns of his OSU career.

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, the team fizzled out after an 11-0 start. They lost to TTUN and Peyton Manning-led Tennessee to close out the season, ending what could have been a special run. Sualua was projected to return for the 1996 season, but he never played a down. He was once again ruled academically ineligible, and eventually declared for the NFL Draft. Sualua’s time as a Buckeye ended in disappointment, which is too bad because the big fullback was a fan-favorite and well-liked by teammates. He never found the same level of football success again, and his professional career ended under tragic circumstances.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Sualua in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He was thought to be their heir apparent to Daryl “Moose” Johnston, but the former Buckeye only spent two seasons as a backup. He never registered a rushing attempt or reception for the ‘Boys, and the team released him prior to the 1999 season. Dallas claimed it was for football reasons, but Sualua was also present for the accidental overdose of former Cowboy Mark Tuinei.

He was never accused of buying or supplying drugs, nor was he ever charged with a crime in relation to the overdose, but Sualua ultimately attempted to let his friend and former teammate “sleep it off” — rather than taking him to a hospital. Tuinei passed on May 6, 1999. Sualua was waived by Dallas a month later, and eventually signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. But he was released with an injury settlement in September, and never caught on with another NFL team.

Nicky Sualua might be remembered more for the unfortunate losses he was a part of, but I have no interest in playing judge, jury, or executioner. His on-field contributions for Ohio State were more significant than many people realize, and that is what I am choosing to bring light to. The former fullback contributed to a Heisman-winning season, albeit somewhat indirectly. For that, Buckeye fans should acknowledge his place in OSU history.

Branden Joe | Fullback (2000-2004)

Photo by Darren Abate/Getty Images
Branden Joe contributed to plenty of winning during his time as a Buckeye

Branden Joe was a First Team All-Ohio running back for Westerville South High School, located in Columbus. He also played linebacker on the defensive side of the ball, and packed a serious punch due to his roughly 6-foot, 230-pound frame. Joe committed to Ohio State as part of the 2000 recruiting class, and proceeded to not play either of his high school positions ever again. But he did become a versatile fullback and a national champion, which is surely more important than individual rushing yards or total tackles.

Joe redshirted as a freshman, and as far as I could tell, was still listed as a running back in 2001. However, due to depth at the position, he never appeared in a game. OSU had another deep RB room in 2002 – made even better by the addition of Maurice Clarett – and as a result, the decision was made to move Joe to fullback on a permanent basis. The move paid off for both he and the Buckeyes, in ways few could have imagined (at least prior to that ‘02 season).

Fullback duties were split between Joe and Brandon Schnittker in 2002, with both playing in all 14 games. Neither player was heavily involved in the offense (four combined touches), but each had their moments blocking for Clarett, Lydell Ross, and/or Maurice Hall. Joe also played frequently on special teams, which was of the utmost importance to head coach Jim Tressel. The fullback’s tangible contributions were limited and never jumped out on paper, but he carved out a role and eventually earned a ring.

You know the story: the Buckeyes made an unexpected title run, were heavy underdogs to the Miami Hurricanes in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, and the rest is history. The fullbacks were unable able to spring Clarett for many big gains in that championship game, but he and quarterback Craig Krenzel did combine for four rushing touchdowns. It was a total team effort, Joe included.

Joe took a more active role in the offense during his final two seasons, but that’s not a whole lot. Similar to his Ohio State coaching predecessors, Tressel used a stable of running backs, but fullbacks were not featured the way they were during the 80’s and 90’s. Joe only totaled 77 carries and six receptions over his final two seasons, adding a lone touchdown in 2004. It was his first and last as a Buckeye, but he continued to be a strong lead blocker when called upon. OSU went 11-2 and 8-4 in 2003 and 2004, respectively, as they were never able to match the success of the 2002 squad. But Joe made a lifetime of memories during that season alone.

Joe never caught on in the NFL, only spending a few months with the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the 2006 season. He has remained in Columbus, Ohio and has spent time covering the Buckeyes for local media outlets. Like many former players, he is active on social media and always supports his team. Though he was never the most high-profile player during his Ohio State career, Joe made an impact on the program and left a champion. Those players are always worth a mention, especially the forgotten fullbacks.

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Ohio State-Notre Dame sets up potential big recruiting weekend in Columbus
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

The Buckeyes and Irish kickoff the season, which welcomes a good opportunity on the recruiting trail for Ohio State.

Ohio State has had it’s fair share of notable recruiting weekends now in the rearview mirror. However, a schedule update that was announced on Tuesday will likely set the Buckeyes up for another massive opportunity to impressive many top recruits across the country. Plus, a 2025 prospect from New Jersey shares his thoughts on his offer from the scarlet and gray.

Likely major recruiting weekend set


Perhaps the biggest recruiting news to come about for the Buckeyes on Tuesday was when the kickoff time was announced for the week one contest against Notre Dame. Ohio State will get their crack at the Irish under the lights on ABC in a 7:30 PM EST contest that will also be the site of College Gameday.

The expectation is that this will wind up being a massive chance for the Buckeyes to welcome some of the very best high school football players in the country to Columbus to get a closer look at what the program has to offer. In particular, it could provide Ohio State with the chance to leave a lasting impression on prospects considering the two programs.

With the start time being so fresh, it is unknown as to who exactly will make their way to Ohio Stadium to check out the powerhouse programs in action.

Some names to watch as potential visitors include five-star safety Caleb Downs of Mill Creek (GA), four-star wide receiver Rico Flores of Folsom (CA), four-star wide receiver Carnell Tate of IMG Academy, five-star running back Richard Young of Lehigh Senior (FL), and more — all of whom are considering both Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Matthews talks Buckeye offer


While the main focus for head coach Ryan Day is undoubtedly on the 2023 recruiting class, Ohio State has also gotten active in future classes. The Buckeyes looked towards the state of New Jersey late last month when they dropped an offer to 2025 offensive tackle Jaelyne Matthews of Toms River North (NJ).

The 6-foot-6, 300-pounder caught up with Garrick Hodge of Eleven Warriors on Tuesday to share his opinion of the offer from the Buckeyes.

“They said they offered me because of my aggressiveness on film, how smart I am on the football field and my size,” Matthews said. Hodge went on to say that Matthews was “ecstatic” about the scholarship offer from Ohio State.

While Matthews has plenty of visits likely in his future so that he can continue to get a better feel for programs in pursuit, Ohio State looks to be one program that will definitely get a visit from the Toms River native.

“I’ll be there this summer,” Matthews relayed to Hodge.

Aside from the Buckeyes, Matthews has also already secured offers from the likes of Georgia, Miami (FL), Penn State, Texas A&M, and more.

Quick Hits

• According to Bill Kurelic on Twitter, 2023 four-star cornerback Daniel Harris of Gulliver Prep (FL) has “locked in” an official visit to Ohio State. The Miami native and Buckeye target is currently graded as the No. 31 ranked cornerback in the class.
• Ohio State offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Kevin Wilson was in California on Tuesday. Wilson made an appearance at Folsom High School likely to check in on a pair of hopeful additions for 2023 in four-star wide receiver Rico Flores and four-star tight end Walker Lyons.

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You’re Nuts: What 2023 NFL Draft prospect are you excited to see Ohio State play this year?
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.

We all know that Ohio State is loaded with talent on both sides of the football. In most years, the Buckeyes usually produce the highest number of players drafted in the Big Ten, and Ohio State is often near the top annually for most players selected from any college football team around the country. Since 2000, the Buckeyes have seen 157 players selected in the NFL Draft, with 34 of those picks coming in the first round.

While many Ohio State fans are excited to watch C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Paris Johnson Jr. this year as they look to cement their status as first round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, we can’t forget that the Buckeyes will be taking on plenty of players that will be eligible for the draft that will want to use a big performance against Ohio State to impress NFL scouts. A perfect example of this from previous years is Khalil Mack. Even though plenty of people knew the Buffalo defensive end was going to be a star heading into the season opener against the Buckeyes, Mack sent his draft stock soaring even higher with a huge performance in Columbus.

There are different ways you can look at games when Ohio State is taking on a team with NFL Draft prospects. Either you can see this as a chance to get an early look at a player that your favorite NFL team might be selecting in the next draft, if you are an NFL fan. There is also a possibility you can see one of Ohio State’s own draft prospects matching up with the highly touted draft prospect from an opponent. Or, you could just simply want to see the Buckeyes shutdown a possible top draft pick, showing some of the holes still in their game.

Today’s question: What 2023 NFL Draft prospect are you excited to see Ohio State play this year?

We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.

Brett’s answer: Joey Porter Jr. - Penn State


For starters, I’m sure Browns and Bengals fans will agree with this pick since Joey Porter Sr. was a thorn in the side of both teams when he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s probably already a given that the younger Porter will end up being drafted by the Steelers next April and torture Cleveland and Cincinnati for the next decade.

My reasoning for wanting to see Porter against the Buckeyes in the fall is because I want to see how he is able to handle Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and the rest of the Ohio State wide receivers. Somehow the Nittany Lions have found a way to keep the Ohio State offense in check in recent years, and if they are able to do it again in October, a huge reason for it will be because of the play of Porter in the secondary.

Personally, I hope that Smith-Njigba and the rest of the Buckeye receivers go off in State College, putting up huge numbers on Porter. Is that mean? It absolutely is, but there’s a reason I call myself a “big ball of hate” in my Twitter bio. I look at Penn State the same way I look at the Red Sox. I just want to see both destroyed as much as possible. It’s nothing personal against Porter, I was hating Penn State long before he committed to their football program.

In all seriousness, Porter is likely going to go on to be a good pro in the NFL. He not only has talent, he also can lean on his father for advice and what to expect at the next level. I’m just hoping he has his own personal fright night a couple days before Halloween. In the end, we are the ones getting the treat since we’ll get to see three possible first round picks going at it, as C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will try and break down Porter on the road.

Meredith’s answer: Peter Skoronski - Northwestern


The 2023 quarterback class is poised to be a good one (especially after whatever this nonsense was we saw this year), and the Buckeyes may even find themselves facing off against one of the other quarterbacks, besides C.J. Stroud, who are part of this elite group at some point in the postseason.

However, the player I’m excited to see is a Big Ten West foe who Ohio State will travel to see in November, when the Buckeyes head to Evanston to face Northwestern.

Yes, that player is Peter Skoronski, who has followed in Rashawn Slater’s massive shoes at left tackle for the Wildcats. As Northwestern doesn’t have what one might classify as a prolific offense, Skoronski’s strengths might fall under the radar in the average game, but he’s emerged after his sophomore season as one of the Big Ten’s best pass protectors. As an aside, it doesn’t hurt that Skoronski’s grandfather was a five-time NFL Champion with the Green Bay Packers.

I’m looking forward to watching Skorinski, who will be facing off directly against Ohio State’s always formidable defensive line generally and defensive end Zach Harrison, specifically. Harrison opted to come back for his senior season rather than enter the 2022 NFL Draft, which happened to feature almost as many outstanding defensive linemen as it did receivers. Harrison will be looking to improve his draft stock, and film against an almost assured future NFL offensive lineman can help make that case.

Skoronski is projected to go in the first round in a similar spot to Slater, with many way-too-early mock drafts placing him just outside the top-10.

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Stick to Sports Podcast: ‘The One Where We Don’t Talk About Sports and Instead Discuss the Tony Nominations’
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

Sorry, it’s slow in those Buckeye streets and we’ve got plenty of other sports-focused podcast episodes for you this week.

Land-Grant Holy Land’s Stick to Sports is unlike any podcast you’ve heard on the Ohio State beat. Your hosts, Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich, will (of course) talk Ohio State sports, but the primary focus of the show will be on what’s going on around the periphery, such as weird/funny happenings in college football and the sports world at large, as well as other things that keep us interested in between games, whether that’s pop culture, social media trends— you name it.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio


On an episode that will likely appeal to literally zero people, Matt and Jami break down last week’s 2022 Tony nominations. Hear these two Ohio State alums and Broadway insiders discuss what they think of the major categories. The awards will be presented on CBS on Sunday, June 12 at 8 p.m. ET.

Jami’s Recommendations:

“Under the Banner of Heaven” on FX on Hulu:

https://www.hulu.com/series/under-the-banner-of-heaven-9c4ae394-e9c4-4a6d-985e-314270602c6b

Final Season of “Grace and Frankie” on Netflix:

https://www.netflix.com/title/80017537

Matt’s Recommendation:

“Outer Range” on Amazon Prime Video:

https://www.amazon.com/Outer-Range-Season-1/dp/B09PVRLSLB


Connect with Jami Jurich
Twitter: @JamiJurich

Connect with Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt

Theme music provided by www.bensound.com

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